Goldfish Swim School, Cullen Jones Announce New Partnership
Goldfish Swim School on Tuesday announced a new partnership with four-time Olympic medalist Cullen Jones, joining forces in their shared mission of expanding access to swimming instruction.
Jones has long been an advocate for swimming instruction, particularly among Black children and in traditionally underserved areas. Jones’ ascent to swimming history as the first African American world record holder included a near drowning at age five, which led to his starting swim lessons.
View this post on Instagram
Cullen Jones is a USA Swimming Foundation board member and ambassador. Goldfish Swim School is an official partner of the foundation with a goal of raising $1 million in funds for the foundation. Both are taking aim at reducing the risk of drowning, particularly in kids from ages one to four, for whom drowning remains the No. 1 cause of injury-related death.
“I believe things come full circle, and my life is the epitome of that,” Jones said in a press release. “You know, to be honest, I never put out the ‘I’m retiring’ social media post. I never felt my work in swimming was done. I’ve committed to a lifetime of community advocacy and set out on a mission to help people to understand the importance of learning to swim. I could not have found a better swim school partner with which to align. I’ve personally seen the impact Goldfish makes in children’s lives. My son is a Goldfish Swimmer, and I am proud to call myself a Goldfish Dad. While my time competing in the pool may be finished, my work is far from done. I have been working in the learn-to-swim space for 12 years, and by teaming up with Goldfish Swim School, we will create a powerful force that will make big waves in water safety awareness!”
Jones is now a parent, as well. His two-year-old son Avyn has taken swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School. Goldfish Swim School has partnered with Olympian Ryan Murphy. According to the release, it has reached 400 million people with the message of its latest campaign, the Safer Swimmer Pledge.
“Cullen has long felt like a member of our Goldfish Family as he continuously goes above and beyond to support our mission of water safety,” Goldfish Swim School CEO and co-founder Chris McCuiston said.. “This formal partnership is just another step in the right direction as we work together to make even bigger waves in water safety education, resources and swim lessons. We could not be more honored to have Cullen by our side as we push the boundaries of innovation to highlight the importance of swim lessons for all children.”
Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years, teaching children how to be safer in and around the water. Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. The franchise network spans 120-plus schools across North America and each school’s number one focus and main priority is always the same – educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water.